SINGAPORE – In 2023,the National Council on Problem Gambling help migrants to bar themselves to Singapore Pools’ online betting and jackpot machine rooms.
Many foreign workers in Singapore will be excluded from online gambling and gaming companies.
People willing to exclude themselves from opening or maintaining a Singapore Pools account, as well as entering or remaining in all jackpot machine rooms in private clubs.
Data shows, 19038 self-exclusions were made in 2023 in Singapore Pools online betting,and more than 118 percent higher than the number in 2022.
According to the statistics published by NCPG in this April, show 23072 self-exclusions were made in total on jackpot machine rooms in 2023-an over 134 percent jump from 2022.
NCPG spokesman Mr Sim Gim Guan said to The Straits Times that the surge is seen as a “promising advancement,” credited to the council’s initiative in digitalization and its collaborations with stakeholders like employers and dormitory operators.
He pointed that NPCG’s web-chat function is now easily to notice after revamped ,leading to an increase in people who sought help in 2023.
The report highlights a rise in the number of individuals seeking assistance through NCPG’s helpline and webchat services, with calls increasing from 10,388 in 2022 to 12,462 in 2023. This surge reflects a growing willingness among individuals to address gambling issues, according to Mr. Sim. The helpline and webchat offer counseling information and safeguards like self-exclusion orders.
Mr. Sim noted that the council collaborated with the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), companies employing migrant workers, and dormitory operators to educate migrant workers about 问题赌博 and encourage them to apply for self-exclusion. MWC’s executive director, Michael Lim, highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers to problem gambling due to language barriers, isolation, and unfamiliarity with local laws and customs.
He added that the centre has been helping migrant workers apply for casino self-exclusion programmes since 2011.
“MWC wants to help them avoid being lured into situations of financial instability and related crimes,” he said.
“Problem gambling not only impacts financial health but also takes a toll on their physical and mental well-being.”
Employers of migrant workers can apply for their employees’ self-exclusion from gambling activities through NCPG’s website with their consent. Additionally, migrant workers themselves have the option to opt out of the self-exclusion program if they choose to do so.
